To All Clermont County Junior Fair Swine Exhibitors,
The Clermont County Ag Society, Junior Fair Swine Committee, and the Junior Fair Sale Committee with contributions and considerations from OSU Extension and our fair veterinarian have made the difficult decision to prohibit the use of ractopamine (commonly known by trade names Paylean®, Optaflexx®, Engain® and generic derivative) in Market Hogs being shown at the 2020 Clermont County Fair.
After multiple options were considered, the best option for our youth exhibitors was to ban the use entirely. This decision was based on recommendations made by the Ohio State Fair, Ohio State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey, Ohio State University Extension Swine Specialist Dr. Steve Moeller, and potential market outlets. This decision will be revisited in one year.
“Whether you agree or not this is the reality…….farm families depend on export markets to sell their product….in this case it is pork,” Cindy Stegbauer wrote on social media.
“The reality of it is, if exhibitors want to continue to show pigs and have a true value for the commercial industry, this is a real concern. We can’t lose 25% of our market that goes to exports because of less than 1% of the pig population.” Dr. Steve Moeller, OSU Extension Swine Specialist. Ohio Country Journal
A signed affidavit will be required, in conjunction with DUNF, from the exhibitor upon weigh-in on Saturday, July 25, 2020. All forms must be submitted in order to remain on the grounds and show in either the Junior Fair Market or Born and Raised shows. The affidavit will state that the animal has never been fed ractopamine during the entirety of its life. All forms will be in triplicate, so exhibitor, junior fair and stockyards/ODA has a copy.
Any and all hogs are subject to testing at any time during the Clermont County Fair once checked in July 25 through August 1, 2020. Grand and Reserve Champion animals (barrow and gilt) will be tested as ODA testing mandates. Any violators will be subject to forfeiture of premiums, trophies, fair ban for individuals or families and/or financial restitution.
If for any reason a packer is unable to be contracted, exhibitors will be responsible to take their market animal home for harvest or breeding purposes. Grand and Reserve Champions will remain terminal per state mandate.
Questions may be directed to Junior Fair Swine Consultant Kim Hill at 513-767-6908 for more information regarding this decision. Ractopamine-free educational questions can be directed to Gigi Neal, ANR Educator at OSU Extension, 513-732-7070.
Exhibitor Resources
- A Ractopamine-Free Swine Project
- Ohio Pork Council
- A Frank Conversation with Dr. Todd Price on Ractopamine
- Printable copy of this letter